Net Neutrality

At a Glance

eBay supports net neutrality and opposes efforts that would allow Internet service providers to replace the open Internet with “Pay to Play” arrangements that would block, slow, or otherwise discriminate against user access to web content.

eBay supports net neutrality and opposes efforts that would allow Internet service providers to replace the open Internet with “Pay to Play” arrangements that would block, slow, or otherwise discriminate against user access to web content.

Rolling back open Internet protections would create unfair incentives to create “fast lanes” for the highest bidder.

This would discourage competition by tilting the playing field in favor of large enterprises that have the resources to outspend their smaller competitors.

Internet-enabled small businesses would be among those hit hardest by new fees and tiered services.

Issue in Detail

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Point-of-View

eBay provides an Internet-enabled commerce marketplace empowering entrepreneurs and businesses, especially small businesses, across the globe. We take public policy positions that are important to that community of users.

eBay supports net neutrality and opposes efforts that would allow Internet service providers to replace the current open Internet with "Pay to Play" arrangements that would block, slow, or otherwise discriminate against user access to web content.

Consumers, non-profits, and businesses already pay for access to the Internet. Broadband providers should not be permitted to charge consumers premiums for prioritized Internet access.

Background

The Internet has always been governed by a regulatory regime based on principles of openness and non-discrimination. This approach has been integral to making the Internet the home to the most innovative and exciting new businesses and ideas. Internet companies have spent billions on new content and services that have transformed the lives of people across the globe, as well as fueling significant economic growth and job creation.

Some cable and telecommunications companies have successfully lobbied the FCC to replace the open Internet model with a system that will allow them to pick and choose which websites will operate better on their networks.

Robust competition in content and services are what drive broadband Internet access adoption. Consumers who subscribe to broadband are able to use any Internet-based services they choose, including innovative start-up services. Replacing the open, non-discriminatory Internet with one that puts control into the hands of a few large Internet service providers will slow the advance of broadband, limit access to important information and tools, and damage innovation on the Internet.

Impact

Taking Control from Consumers - Replacing the Open Internet takes control away from the consumer and gives it to a handful of large ISPs who will be incentivized to cut deals that will steer Internet traffic to their preferred websites and apps. This means that websites and apps will compete less on services and innovation and more on who can write the biggest check to the ISP.

How You Can Support Net Neutrality

We urge you to support proposals to protect the Open Internet and ensure that consumers are able to freely choose – without ISP steering – which websites and apps to visit and not be subject to discrimination by network operators pushing affiliated content and services.